About the role:
As an Adoptions Engineer, you will be managing the adoption of sewers and pumping stations under section 102 and 104, including sewer diversions under section 116 and pre-planning applications. Working both independently and collaboratively within the Adoptions team in Developer Services, you will be building strong relationships and liaising with all customers regarding sewer adoption and pre-planning enquiries, liaising with developers, consultants, legal representatives, and internal departments such as asset planning and operations.
- Take ownership of your geographical portfolio, being accountable for a range of local authorities and the end-to-end delivery of all applications. With this you will assess the technical designs and submissions for the adoption of Sewers and Pumping Stations, and proposals to divert and alter our sewerage network.
- Technically review all details provided throughout the process for adoptions, diversions and pre-planning applications to ensure that no detriment or risk is caused to Thames Water’s assets or the public sewerage system.
- You will achieve 100% compliance of all WaterUK/Code for Adoptions service level agreements throughout all elements of the process by meeting timescale and system requirements.
- You will always put the customer first, being contactable and professional in order to achieve a good DMeX score and contribute towards our positive brand as a team/company.
- You will be fully up to date and knowledgeable on the most recent code of practice ‘Code for Adoptions’ including the design and construction guidance and associated service level agreements and WaterUK metrics.
- You will have overall commercial awareness of financial implications linked to customer outcomes and balance customer satisfaction with cost to the business.
- You will have key stakeholder management skills, and be seen as reliable and trustworthy to both our customers and internal colleagues.
- You will have excellent time management skills, with an understanding of the importance of our service level agreements and associated regulatory penalties (for each application type) if these are not met.
- You will be responsible for meeting the sewer vesting targets each year, with the required certification and criticality documentation recorded.
To be successful you will have the following skills and experience:
- Civil engineering accreditation with an ONC/HNC or equivalent.
- Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to organise and communicate with senior Stakeholders both within and outside Thames Water.
- Outstanding customer service skills – in person, over the phone and in writing. This also includes the ability to engage with and manage more difficult customers.
- Exceptional organisation and prioritisation skills, with a consistently high record keeping standard.
- Good negotiation skills, with the ability to negotiate with customers, Internal/External Senior Stakeholders and be able to make best strategic decisions for our customers and assets.
- IT literate, SAP CRM and other company software, with the ability to learn new software quickly.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet demanding targets and tight deadlines along with delivering or exceeding the KPI’s.
- Flexible and positive to ever changing customer and business needs, including new ways of working.
- Knowledge of The Water Industry Act 1991, Building Regulations – specifically part H4 and Transfer of Private sewers and Code for Adoptions is preferred but not necessary.
What’s in it for you:
Our competitive salary package includes an excellent contributory pension, 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with length of service and a wider benefits scheme. This includes an annual pay review, season ticket loans, voucher scheme giving you money off in major retail outlets, loyalty awards for continuous service plus much more, including our referral scheme, where you can receive £750 for helping someone get a permanent position within the company.
We’re also proud to be here for our local community, offering everyone two days paid volunteer leave a year, as well as proudly supporting a lot of local events and charities.
Click here to find out more about working at Thames Water
About us:
Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to millions of customers by supplying 2.7 billion litres of world-class water to around 10 million homes.
As our world changes, the need to take care of our most precious resource is greater than ever, both locally and globally. That’s why, at Thames Water, every one of our actions, big and small, matters every day. Water is essential to daily life, and that means our business is always open. We’re passionate about providing world-class tap water, now and for the future.
We’re also turning waste into power, self-generating 20% of the energy we use and, in turn, doing our bit for the planet. We’re reducing plastic waste by celebrating our tap water and rolling out an ambitious water fountain project. We’re using our voice to lobby for change and partnering with WaterAid to provide clean water to the world’s poorest communities. Together, we’re building a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work. If you join our team, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and unparalleled benefits. We’re also proud to be an equal opportunity employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion and Disability Confident Leader, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and leading the way with award-winning mental health and well-being strategy.